Packing device for printer, packing device for sheet transportation apparatus, printer including packing device, sheet transportation apparatus including packing device, method for manufacturing printer packed on packing device, and method for manufacturing sheet transportation apparatus packed on packing device

ABSTRACT

A packing device for a printer is provided. The packing device includes: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate.

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2019-231965, filed Dec. 23, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a packing device for a printer, a packing device for a sheet transportation apparatus, a printer including a packing device, a sheet transportation apparatus including a packing device, a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a packing device, and a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a packing device.

2. Related Art

Cushioning corner blocks disclosed in JP-A-2000-302170 are formed using a foamed biodegradable plastic material and are put together by fitting a mating protrusion of one block into a mating hole of another block.

However, in the technique disclosed in JP-A-2000-302170, a pushing force applied for mating of two blocks and a pulling force applied for pulling one of the two blocks out of the other after the mating are not considered. Therefore, there is a possibility of insufficient mating strength, and the mating strength cannot be adjusted in some cases.

SUMMARY

A certain aspect is a packing device for a printer, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate.

A certain aspect is a packing device for a sheet transportation apparatus, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate.

A certain aspect is a printer including a packing device, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate, one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion accommodates an installation portion and a first wall portion of the printer, and the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion faces a second wall portion of the printer and mates with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion.

A certain aspect is a sheet transportation apparatus including a packing device, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate, one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion accommodates an installation portion and a first wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus, and the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion faces a second wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus and mates with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion.

A certain aspect is a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a packing device, the packing device including a first packing portion that has a mating portion, and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion, wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate, the method comprising: accommodating an installation portion and a first wall portion of the printer by one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion; and putting the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion to face a second wall portion of the printer and mate with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion.

A certain aspect is a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a packing device, the packing device including a first packing portion that has a mating portion, and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion, wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate, the method comprising: accommodating an installation portion and a first wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus by one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion; and putting the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion to face a second wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus and mate with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a first packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a first packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a first packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-2 packing portion of a packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-3 packing portion of a packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-4 packing portion of a packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 7 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a first mating portion of a 1st-4 packing portion of a packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between forces regarding mating in a second packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between forces regarding mating in a second packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-5 packing portion of a packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a third packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a fourth packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a fifth packing device according to a variation example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a printer packed on a sixth packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a seventh packing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a first packing device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is another external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of the first packing device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment. The direction of perspective view in FIG. 2 is different from that of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of the first packing device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 1 to 3. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the first packing device 1.

The first packing device 1 may be used as, for example, a packing device for a printer, or as a packing device for a sheet transportation apparatus. A sheet transportation apparatus is annexed to a printer and has a function of transporting sheets of paper outputted from the printer, etc.

The first packing device 1 includes a first packing portion 11 and a second packing portion 12. The first packing portion 11 includes a first mating base 31 and a mating portion. To facilitate an explanation, the base of the first packing portion 11 is referred to as the first mating base 31. The first packing portion 11 includes a first mating portion 32 and a second mating portion 33 collectively as its mating portion. Each of the first mating portion 32 and the second mating portion 33 is a protrusion having a height in a direction parallel to the Z axis from the first mating base 31. The protrusion protrudes in the negative direction along the Z axis. The protrusion may be referred to as, for example, a convex portion. The first mating base 31 supports the first mating portion 32 and the second mating portion 33.

The second packing portion 12 includes a first mating receptacle base 51 and a mating receptacle portion. To facilitate an explanation, the base of the second packing portion 12 is referred to as the first mating receptacle base 51. The second packing portion 12 includes a first mating receptacle portion 52 and a second mating receptacle portion 53 collectively as its mating receptacle portion. Each of the first mating receptacle portion 52 and the second mating receptacle portion 53 is a hole having a depth in the direction parallel to the Z axis in the first mating receptacle base 51. The hole goes down in the negative direction along the Z axis. The hole may be referred to as, for example, a concave portion. The first mating receptacle base 51 is an example of a base.

In the present embodiment, each of the first packing portion 11 and the second packing portion 12 is made of a foamed plastic cushioning material. Various kinds of material can be used as the foamed plastic cushioning material. For example, polystyrene, urethane, polypropylene, or polyethylene, etc. may be used. The polystyrene used as such a material may be expanded polystyrene (EPS). As another example, either one of the first packing portion 11 and the second packing portion 12, or both, may be made of an elastic material that has elasticity, for example, rubber. Either one of the first packing portion 11 and the second packing portion 12, or both, may be made of two or more different kinds of material. These kinds of material may be, for example, various kinds of foamed plastic cushioning material or elastic material such as rubber. For example, the material used for forming the first packing portion 11 and the material used for forming the second packing portion 12 may be different from each other. These kinds of material may be, for example, various kinds of foamed plastic cushioning material or elastic material such as rubber.

The first mating receptacle portion 52 is able to mate with the first mating portion 32 by inserting at least a part of the first mating portion 32 into the first mating receptacle portion 52. At least one of the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 mate with each other. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first axis is the Z axis. As another example, the first axis may be defined as another axis that is parallel to the Z axis.

The protrusion of the first mating portion 32 and the hole of the first mating receptacle portion 52, for example, may substantially match in shape or may have approximately the same size, for example. For example, one of the protruding shape of the first mating portion 32 and the recessed shape of the first mating receptacle portion 52 may be slightly smaller than the other. If each of the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis, for example, the angle of inclination of the sloped surface of the protrusion of the first mating portion 32 and the angle of inclination of the sloped surface of the hole of the first mating receptacle portion 52 may be slightly different from each other. Various other shapes can be adopted for the shape of them.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, both the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 are inclined in their surfaces with respect to the first axis. The inclined surface has a shape that allows the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 to mate with each other. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the inclined surface has a tapered shape. The tapered shape may be referred to as, for example, a wedge-like shape. Since the first mating portion 32 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane decreases as the distance from the first mating base 31 in the direction parallel to the first axis increases. In other words, the farther from the first mating base 31 in the direction parallel to the Z axis, the narrower the first mating portion 32. Since the first mating receptacle portion 52 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane decreases as it goes deeper into the inside of the hole from the face of the first mating receptacle base 51 in the direction parallel to the first axis. In other words, the deeper into the inside of the hole from the face of the first mating receptacle base 51 in the direction parallel to the Z axis, the narrower the first mating receptacle portion 52. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, is taken as an example. Instead, for example, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to a plane intersecting with but not perpendicular to the first axis may be used.

The shape of the second mating portion 33 and the shape of the second mating receptacle portion 53 are the same as the shape of the first mating portion 32 and the shape of the first mating receptacle portion 52, respectively. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, double mating, that is, the mating of the first mating portion 32 with the first mating receptacle portion 52 and the mating of the second mating portion 33 with the second mating receptacle portion 53, offers greater total mating strength. The number of combination(s) of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is arbitrary, and may be one, two as in the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, or three or more.

The first packing device 1 has the following layout: when the surface of the first packing portion 11 on which the first mating portion 32 and the second mating portion 33 are provided and the surface of the second packing portion 12 in which the first mating receptacle portion 52 and the second mating receptacle portion 53 are provided are oriented in such a way as to face with each other and are then brought closer to each other in parallel with the Z-axis direction, the first mating portion 32 and the first mating receptacle portion 52 mate with each other, and the second mating portion 33 and the second mating receptacle portion 53 mate with each other.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a modified first (referred to as “1st-2”; similar notation is used hereinafter) packing portion 111 of a packing device according to a variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 4. The 1st-2 packing portion 111 includes a second mating base 131, a 1st-2 mating portion 132, a first portion 151 of the 1st-2 mating portion 132, a 2nd-2 mating portion 133, and a 1st-2 portion 152 of the 2nd-2 mating portion 133. The structure of the 1st-2 packing portion 111 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing portion 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the 1st-2 packing portion 111 has the first portion 151 and the 1st-2 portion 152. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately, as may be necessary for providing the first portion 151 and the 1st-2 portion 152. The 1st-2 packing portion 111 is another example of a first packing portion. The second mating base 131 is an example of a base. Each of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the 2nd-2 mating portion 133 is an example of a mating portion. Each of the first portion 151 and the 1st-2 portion 152 is an example of a first portion.

The first portion 151 of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 is provided between the second mating base 131 and the 1st-2 mating portion 132. That is, the 1st-2 packing portion 111 includes the second mating base 131, which supports the mating portion, and the first portion 151 and the 1st-2 portion 152, each of which is provided between the second mating base 131 and the mating portion. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the 2nd-2 mating portion 133 serve as the mating portion.

Regarding the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, at the junction between the first portion 151 and the 1st-2 mating portion 132, the cross-sectional area size of the first portion 151 is smaller than the cross-sectional area size of the 1st-2 mating portion 132. Instead of the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to a plane intersecting with but not perpendicular to the first axis may be used. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. The shape of the 2nd-2 mating portion 133 and the shape of its 1st-2 portion 152 are the same as the shape of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the shape of its first portion 151, respectively.

FIG. 5 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-3 packing portion 211 of a packing device according to another variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 5. The 1st-3 packing portion 211 includes a third mating base 231, a 1st-3 mating portion 232, a second portion 251 of the 1st-3 mating portion 232, a 2nd-3 mating portion 233, and a 2nd-2 portion 252 of the 2nd-3 mating portion 233. The structure of the 1st-3 packing portion 211 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing portion 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the 1st-3 packing portion 211 has the second portion 251 and the 2nd-2 portion 252. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately, as may be necessary for providing the second portion 251 and the 2nd-2 portion 252. The 1st-3 packing portion 211 is another example of a first packing portion. The third mating base 231 is an example of a base. Each of the 1st-3 mating portion 232 and the 2nd-3 mating portion 233 is an example of a mating portion. Each of the second portion 251 and the 2nd-2 portion 252 is an example of a second portion.

The second portion 251 of the 1st-3 mating portion 232 is provided between the third mating base 231 and the 1st-3 mating portion 232. That is, the 1st-3 packing portion 211 includes the third mating base 231, which supports the mating portion, and the second portion 251 and the 2nd-2 portion 252, each of which is provided between the third mating base 231 and the mating portion. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the 1st-3 mating portion 232 and the 2nd-3 mating portion 233 serve as the mating portion.

Regarding the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, at the junction between the second portion 251 and the 1st-3 mating portion 232, the cross-sectional area size of the second portion 251 is larger than the cross-sectional area size of the 1st-3 mating portion 232. Instead of the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to a plane intersecting with but not perpendicular to the first axis may be used. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. The shape of the 2nd-3 mating portion 233 and the shape of its 2nd-2 portion 252 are the same as the shape of the 1st-3 mating portion 232 and the shape of its second portion 251, respectively.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-4 packing portion 311 of a packing device according to another variation example. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-4 mating portion 332 of the 1st-4 packing portion 311 of the packing device according to the variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 6 and 7. The 1st-4 packing portion 311 includes a fourth mating base 331, the 1st-4 mating portion 332, and a 2nd-4 mating portion 333. The 1st-4 mating portion 332 has a first non-sloped surface 351 at a part of its sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis. The 2nd-4 mating portion 333 has a second non-sloped surface 352 at a part of its sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. The 1st-4 packing portion 311 is another example of a first packing portion. The fourth mating base 331 is an example of a base. Each of the 1st-4 mating portion 332 and the 2nd-4 mating portion 333 is an example of a mating portion. Each of the first non-sloped surface 351 and the second non-sloped surface 352 is an example of a non-sloped surface.

The structure of the 1st-4 packing portion 311 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing portion 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the 1st-4 packing portion 311 has the first non-sloped surface 351 and the second non-sloped surface 352. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately, as may be necessary for providing the first non-sloped surface 351 and the second non-sloped surface 352.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, it may be interpreted that, in the 1st-4 mating portion 332, the first non-sloped surface 351 is provided at an area between two sloped surface areas located adjacent thereto. Although the first non-sloped surface 351 provided on the negative X-directional side is illustrated in the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, a similar non-sloped surface is provided on the positive X-directional side, too (though not illustrated). The shape of the 2nd-4 mating portion 333 and the shape of its second non-sloped surface 352 are the same as the shape of the 1st-4 mating portion 332 and the shape of its first non-sloped surface 351, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a relationship between forces regarding mating in a second packing device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment will now be explained. FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining a relationship between forces regarding mating in a second packing device 101 according to an exemplary embodiment. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 8 and 9. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the second packing device 101.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a relationship between forces while taking, as an example, the second packing device 101 having the 1st-2 packing portion 111 illustrated in FIG. 4. However, the physical principle is the same also for other packing devices. The second packing device 101 includes the 1st-2 packing portion 111 and a 2nd-2 packing portion 112. The 1st-2 packing portion 111 includes the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and its first portion 151. The 2nd-2 packing portion 112 includes a second mating receptacle base 171 and its 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172. The 2nd-2 packing portion 112 is another example of a second packing portion. The second mating receptacle base 171 is an example of a base. The 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 is an example of a mating receptacle portion.

In FIG. 8, a mated state, in which the 1st-2 mating portion 132 has been fitted into the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172, is illustrated. To facilitate an explanation, in FIG. 8, a cross section parallel to the X-Z plane of the second packing device 101 is schematically illustrated. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 mate with each other with a predetermined clearance left between the head surface of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the bottom surface of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172, instead of a complete fit of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 into the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 are fixed in this mated state. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8, the head surface of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 is the surface oriented in the negative direction of the Z axis, and the bottom surface of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 is the surface oriented in the positive direction of the Z axis.

A pulling force F11 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The pulling force F11 is a force for pulling the 1st-2 mating portion 132 out of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 from the mated state, in which the 1st-2 mating portion 132 has been fitted into the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172. In this example, the direction of the force F11 is parallel to the first axis. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. The cross-sectional area size of a section, of the first portion 151, parallel to the X-Y plane is denoted as A. A contact portion R1 of the sloped surface on the positive X-directional side of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the sloped surface on the positive X-directional side of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 is illustrated in FIG. 8. These sloped surfaces are in contact with each other.

A relationship between forces at the contact portion R1 is illustrated in FIG. 9. Let μ be a coefficient of friction at a certain point of contact in the contact portion R1 along the sloped surface when in a stationary state. Let θ be an angle between the sloped surface and the direction parallel to the first axis. Let F3 be a reactive force that is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the sloped surface and opposed to a force acting from the 1st-2 mating portion 132 to the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172. Given these definitions, a force F1, which is a frictional force along the sloped surface, can be expressed as follows: F1=μ·F3. A force F2, which is a frictional force component in the direction parallel to the first axis, can be expressed as follows: F2=μ·F3·cos θ.

The condition under which it is impossible to pull the 1st-2 mating portion 132 out of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 when the pulling force F11 for pulling the 1st-2 mating portion 132 out of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172 is applied can be expressed as follows: μ·F3·cos θ>F11. That is, the condition can be transformed as follows: cos θ>F11/(μ·F3). If the maximum value of the force F11 is defined as A·σ, the condition can be expressed as follows: cos θ>(A·σ)/(μ·F3). In this example, a range within which the breakage of the first portion 151 does not occur is assumed, and σ in the formula denotes the minimum value at which the breakage of the first portion 151 occurs. Based on the relationship derived from this formula among the force F3, the cross-sectional area size A, and the angle θ, it is possible to design each value. The force σ and the coefficient of friction μ may be determined based on, for example, the material of the 1st-2 mating portion 132 and the material of the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172, etc. An example of the numerical value of the coefficient of friction μ is approximately 0.6. An example of the numerical value of the force σ is approximately 0.15 MPa. The force F3 can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of a force with which the 1st-2 mating portion 132 is pushed into the 1st-2 mating receptacle portion 172, or by adjusting the amount of pushing.

As explained above, in the present embodiment, the mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is determined by a manner of inclination of the sloped surface. For example, the mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion depends on the contact area size of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion in the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. The contact area size includes, for example, contact area size on the sloped surface provided on at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. In the present embodiment, the mating receptacle portion is configured to be widened by the mating portion as the mating portion makes its way into the mating receptacle portion during the insertion process. By this means, the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion become fixed to each other.

When the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion, either one of the 1st-2 packing portion 111 and the 2nd-2 packing portion 112, or both, may be configured to break, for example. According to this structure, once the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate with each other, the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion will never be separated from each other unless the second packing device 101 is broken. Since separation without breakage is impossible, it is practically impossible to put the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion back into a “before-mating” state after the mating portion mates with the mating receptacle portion. For example, by adjusting the cross-sectional area size of a section of the first portion 151 parallel to the X-Y plane, the first portion 151 may be designed to break when the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion.

As another example, the 1st-2 packing portion 112 and the 2nd-2 packing portion 111 may be configured not to break when the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. This structure makes it possible to put the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion back into a “before-mating” state after the mating portion mates with the mating receptacle portion. Therefore, this structure makes it possible to reuse the second packing device 101.

The contact area size of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion may be adjusted by, for example, adjusting the shape, etc. of the mating portion, or by adjusting the shape, etc. of the mating receptacle portion, or by adjusting both the shape, etc. of the mating portion and the shape, etc. of the mating receptacle portion. The pulling force that is required when the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion can be adjusted by adjusting the size of the part having the sloped surface, of the mating portion or of the mating receptacle portion, and by adjusting the magnitude of a pushing force with which the mating portion is inserted into the mating receptacle portion, or by adjusting a pushing amount by which the mating portion is inserted into the mating receptacle portion. The size of the part having the sloped surface may be, for example, the size of the contact area at which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion are in contact with each other.

For example, if the sloped surface of the mating portion or the mating receptacle portion is tapered, the pulling force that is required when the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion becomes greater as the angle of inclination of the sloped surface with respect to the first axis becomes smaller. Therefore, if the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion are to be separable from each other without destroying the second packing device 101, for example, the cross-sectional area size of a section of the first portion 151 parallel to the X-Y plane is increased as the angle of inclination of the sloped surface with respect to the first axis decreases. Incidentally, the larger the angle of inclination of the sloped surface with respect to the first axis is, the gentler the slope is.

For example, the tensile fracture strength of a foamed plastic cushioning material is lower than its compressive fracture strength. By utilizing this property, it is possible to adopt a structure that makes it impossible to separate the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion from each other without destroying the second packing device 101 after the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion are assembled into a mated state. Whether the second packing device 101 will break when the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion or not can be predestined by, for example, adjusting the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, of a predetermined part that is relatively close to the base of the mating portion or the mating receptacle portion. The predetermined part may be, for example, the first portion 151.

In the present embodiment, once the shape of the mating portion and the shape of the mating receptacle portion are given, it is possible to determine, by design, a pushing amount that will be required at the time of push-mating and a pulling force that will be required at the time of pulling. When the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion are in the mated state, for example, the head of the protrusion of the mating portion may be in contact with the bottom of the hole of the mating receptacle portion; alternatively, there may be a clearance therebetween without contact. A mark that indicates how deep the mating portion should be fitted into the mating receptacle portion may be provided on either one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion, or both. The mark may be, for example, an alignment line that is provided on the mating portion and is to be aligned with a predetermined position of the mating receptacle portion when the mating portion is inserted into the mating receptacle portion.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a 1st-5 packing portion 411 of a packing device according to another variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 10. The 1st-5 packing portion 411 is another example of a first packing portion.

The 1st-5 packing portion 411 includes a fifth mating base 431, a 1st-5 mating portion 432, and a third portion 451. The third portion 451 is provided between the fifth mating base 431 and the 1st-5 mating portion 432. The third portion 451 has a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Regarding the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, at the junction between the third portion 451 and the 1st-5 mating portion 432, the cross-sectional area size of the third portion 451 is the same as the cross-sectional area size of the 1st-5 mating portion 432. Instead of the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, which is perpendicular to the first axis, the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to a plane intersecting with but not perpendicular to the first axis may be used. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. The fifth mating base 431 is an example of a base. The 1st-5 mating portion 432 is an example of a mating portion.

The structure of the 1st-5 packing portion 411 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing portion 11 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except that the 1st-5 packing portion 411 has the third portion 451. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately, as may be necessary for providing the third portion 451. The 1st-5 packing portion 411 may, for example, further include another mating portion in addition to the 1st-5 mating portion 432. A third portion that is similar to, for example, the third portion 451 of the 1st-5 packing portion 411 may be provided for this additional mating portion.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a third packing device 501 according to another variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 11. The third packing device 501 includes a 1st-6 packing portion 511 and a 2nd-3 packing portion 512. The 1st-6 packing portion 511 includes a sixth mating base 531 and a 1st-6 mating portion 532. The 2nd-3 packing portion 512 includes a 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 formed in a third mating receptacle base 571. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the third packing device 501. The 1st-6 packing portion 511 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-3 packing portion 512 is another example of a second packing portion. The sixth mating base 531 is an example of a base. The 1st-6 mating portion 532 is an example of a mating portion. The third mating receptacle base 571 is an example of a base. The 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 is an example of a mating receptacle portion.

The 1st-6 mating portion 532 has a stepped structure of three levels of plane parallel to the X-Y plane, rising in the direction parallel to the first axis. The 1st-6 mating portion 532 has a first step portion 533, a second step portion 534, and a third step portion 535, each of which is a part of its stepped structure, in the positive direction along the Z axis. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. Regarding the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, the first step portion 533 is the smallest of the three, the second step portion 534 is the medium one, and the third step portion 535 is the largest of the three. Each of the first step portion 533, the second step portion 534, and the third step portion 535 is an example of a step.

The 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 has a stepped structure of two levels of plane parallel to the X-Y plane, rising in the direction parallel to the first axis. The 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 has a fourth step portion 573 and a fifth step portion 574, each of which is a part of its stepped structure, in the positive direction along the Z axis. Regarding the cross-sectional area size of a section parallel to the X-Y plane, the fourth step portion 573 is smaller, and the fifth step portion 574 is larger. Each of the fourth step portion 573 and the fifth step portion 574 is an example of a step.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, the first step portion 533 and the second step portion 534 of the 1st-6 mating portion 532 mate with the fourth step portion 573 and the fifth step portion 574 of the 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 respectively. Although the 1st-3 mating receptacle portion 572 in the example illustrated in FIG. 11 has a stepped structure of two levels, the number of steps may be three or more.

FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a fourth packing device 601 according to another variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 12. The fourth packing device 601 includes a 1st-7 packing portion 611 and a 2nd-4 packing portion 612. The 1st-7 packing portion 611 includes a seventh mating base 631 and a 1st-7 mating portion 632. The 2nd-4 packing portion 612 includes a 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672 formed in a fourth mating receptacle base 671. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, the 1st-7 mating portion 632 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672 does not have a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the fourth packing device 601. The 1st-7 packing portion 611 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-4 packing portion 612 is another example of a second packing portion. The seventh mating base 631 is an example of a base. The 1st-7 mating portion 632 is an example of a mating portion. The fourth mating receptacle base 671 is an example of a base. The 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672 is an example of a mating receptacle portion.

The structure of the fourth packing device 601 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the shape of the 1st-7 mating portion 632 and the shape of the 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately if needed due to the different shape of the 1st-7 mating portion 632 and the different shape of the 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672. The 1st-7 packing portion 611 may, for example, further include another mating portion in addition to the 1st-7 mating portion 632. Similarly, the 2nd-4 packing portion 612 may, for example, further include another mating receptacle portion in addition to the 1st-4 mating receptacle portion 672.

FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating the schematic structure of a fifth packing device 701 according to another variation example. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in FIG. 13. The fifth packing device 701 includes a 1st-8 packing portion 711 and a 2nd-5 packing portion 712. The 1st-8 packing portion 711 includes an eighth mating base 731 and a 1st-8 mating portion 732. The 2nd-5 packing portion 712 includes a 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772 formed in a fifth mating receptacle base 771. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the 1st-8 mating portion 732 does not have a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis, and the 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772 has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to the first axis. In this example, the first axis is parallel to the Z axis. In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the fifth packing device 701. The 1st-8 packing portion 711 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-5 packing portion 712 is another example of a second packing portion. The eighth mating base 731 is an example of a base. The 1st-8 mating portion 732 is an example of a mating portion. The fifth mating receptacle base 771 is an example of a base. The 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772 is an example of a mating receptacle portion.

The structure of the fifth packing device 701 is, roughly speaking, the same as the structure of the first packing device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the shape of the 1st-8 mating portion 732 and the shape of the 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772. However, the shape and size of each portion constituting its structure may be adjusted appropriately if needed due to the different shape of the 1st-8 mating portion 732 and the different shape of the 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772. The 1st-8 packing portion 711 may, for example, further include another mating portion in addition to the 1st-8 mating portion 732. Similarly, the 2nd-5 packing portion 712 may, for example, further include another mating receptacle portion in addition to the 1st-5 mating receptacle portion 772.

With reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, the packing of a printer 1011 will now be explained. Various packing devices, for example, those explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, can be used as a sixth packing device 1012 for the printer 1011. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 20, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the sixth packing device 1012.

With reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a method for manufacturing the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 will now be explained. FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are diagrams for explaining a method for manufacturing the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 according to an exemplary embodiment. To facilitate an explanation, in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a cross section parallel to the X-Z plane of the sixth packing device 1012 is schematically illustrated. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 14 to 16. In the explanation given with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the positive direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically upward, and the negative direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically downward. The direction of gravity is vertically downward.

In the present embodiment, the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 is manufactured from a state illustrated in FIG. 14 to a state illustrated in FIG. 16 by going through a state illustrated in FIG. 15. The sixth packing device 1012 includes a 1st-9 packing portion 1014 and a 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, to facilitate an explanation, a shape along a predetermined cross section parallel to the X-Z plane is illustrated as the shape of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. The 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 is another example of a second packing portion.

First, the state illustrated in FIG. 14 will now be explained. The 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 is placed on a first table 1071. The printer 1011 is suspended in air by means of a first wire 1051 of a crane (not illustrated). The printer 1011 is lowered toward the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 from above while being supported by the first wire 1051. Then, the printer 1011 is placed onto the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. The first table 1071 is an example of a structural foundation. For example, the first table 1071 may be a pallet. The first table 1071 is configured using, for example, a cushioning material. The first table 1071 is, for example, configured to be able to be transported, with the forks of a forklift inserted. The first wire 1051 is an example of a wire.

Next, the state illustrated in FIG. 15 will now be explained. The printer 1011 is placed on the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. In the state illustrated in FIG. 15, the first wire 1051 has been removed from the printer 1011. The 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 accommodates a first installation portion 1031 and a first wall portion 1032 of the printer 1011. The first installation portion 1031 is an example of an installation portion.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the first installation portion 1031 of the printer 1011 is a portion in the negative direction along the Z axis, and corresponds to the bottom. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the first wall portion 1032 of the printer 1011 is a portion in the positive direction along the X axis, and corresponds to a side. The side may be, for example, the front or the rear. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, each of the first installation portion 1031 and the first wall portion 1032 of the printer 1011 is in contact with the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013.

Next, the state illustrated in FIG. 16 will now be explained. In a space in the negative direction along the X axis with respect to the printer 1011, the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is pushed down onto the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 from above. Because of this pushing, the mating portion (not illustrated) of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 mates with the mating receptacle portion (not illustrated) of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the mating portion of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 protrudes in the negative direction along the Z axis, and the depth direction of the hole of the mating receptacle portion of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 is the negative direction along the Z axis. Because of this process, the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is put in place to face a second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011. The 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is able to be put in place in contact with the second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011. For example, the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 may be in contact with the second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011, and may be not in contact therewith. When a structure in which the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is not in contact with the second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011 is adopted, a smaller clearance between them is advantageous. For example, a desirable structure is able to reduce the shake by contact of the second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011 with the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 when the printer 1011 shakes.

The state illustrated in FIG. 15 could be shaky because an upper portion of the printer 1011 is unsupported. In this respect, the mating of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 with the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 as illustrated in FIG. 16 improves the stability of the printer 1011 in a packed state. Prior to transportation of the printer 1011 packed in this way, for example, the printer 1011 is enclosed by a predetermined box from above. In this covered state, the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 is transported. In the state illustrated in FIG. 16, the printer 1011 is stable also when the printer 1011 is moved inside a factory, etc. without being covered by such a box or when the box has been removed from the printer 1011 at the time of unpacking.

In the present embodiment, after lifting the printer 1011 by means of the first wire 1051 of the crane and then lowering the printer 1011 onto the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 for placement, the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 is mated with the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013. On the other hand, the un-mating of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 from the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 is not always necessary, for example, if it is possible to take the printer 1011 out of the sixth packing device 1012 by tilting the printer 1011 while taking advantage of a clearance that exists around the printer 1011 when the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 and the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 are in the mated state.

In the example illustrated in the present embodiment, regarding the height in the upward direction, the level of the part of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 in the negative direction along the X axis with respect to the printer 1011 is assumed to be the same as the level of the part of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 in the positive direction along the X axis with respect to the printer 1011. These levels may be different from each other as another example. For example, the level of the part of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 in the positive direction along the X axis with respect to the printer 1011 may be higher than the level of the part of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 in the negative direction along the X axis with respect to the printer 1011.

With reference to FIGS. 17 to 20, an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 will now be explained. Each of FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 is a diagram that illustrates an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012 according to an exemplary embodiment. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 17 to 20. In the explanation given with reference to FIGS. 17 to 20, the positive direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically upward, and the negative direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically downward. The direction of gravity is vertically downward.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 as viewed in the negative direction along the Y axis. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, to facilitate an explanation, a shape along a predetermined cross section parallel to the X-Z plane is illustrated as the shape of the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012. In the example illustrated in FIG. 18, the sixth packing device 1012 includes a combination of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 and the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 on its side in the negative direction along the Y axis and a combination of a 1st-10 packing portion 1016 and a 2nd-7 packing portion 1015 on its side in the positive direction along the Y axis. These two combinations are symmetrical in the direction along the Y axis. Although the two combinations are assumed to be separate from each other in this example in order to facilitate an explanation, the two combinations may be configured integrally. The 1st-9 packing portion 1014 faces the second wall portion 1033 of the printer 1011. The 1st-10 packing portion 1016 faces a 2nd-2 wall portion 1034 of the printer 1011. The 1st-10 packing portion 1016 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-7 packing portion 1015 is another example of a second packing portion. The 2nd-2 wall portion 1034 is an example of a second wall portion.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012. To facilitate an explanation, in FIG. 19, an example of the appearance, with the combination of the 1st-9 packing portion 1014 and the 2nd-6 packing portion 1013 removed, is illustrated.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the appearance of the printer 1011 packed on the sixth packing device 1012, with a first top cover 1091 and a second top cover 1092 on the top of the printer 1011. Each of the first top cover 1091 and the second top cover 1092 is an example of a cover portion. In the example illustrated in FIG. 20, the first top cover 1091 is provided on the side in the negative direction along the Y axis, and the second top cover 1092 is provided on the side in the positive direction along the Y axis. These two top covers are symmetrical in the direction along the Y axis. In this example, the two top covers are assumed to be separate from each other. However, as another example, the two top covers may be configured integrally. The state of the printer 1011 illustrated in FIG. 20 is, for example, a shipment state of the printer 1011 as a product.

With reference to FIGS. 21 to 27, the packing of a sheet transportation apparatus 2011 will now be explained. Various packing devices, for example, those explained above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, can be used as a seventh packing device 2012 for the sheet transportation apparatus 2011. To facilitate an explanation, an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system, is shown in each of FIGS. 21 to 27. In the explanation given with reference to FIGS. 21 to 27, the positive direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically upward, and the negative direction along the Z axis is assumed to be vertically downward. The direction of gravity is vertically downward. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 27, to facilitate an explanation, an example of a packing device is referred to as the seventh packing device 2012.

The sheet transportation apparatus 2011 may be, for example, a finisher. The sheet transportation apparatus 2011 has a special shape, for example, and the center of gravity of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 is often at a high position in the direction of gravity when installed in a state for use. As an example, the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 has a height of approximately 1,200 mm and a weight of approximately 100 kg. Accordingly, the center of gravity of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 is at a high position.

In the present embodiment, roughly speaking, the packing of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 is the same as the packing of the printer 1011 explained with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20, except for the difference between the shape of the printer 1011 and the shape of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 are diagrams for explaining a method for manufacturing the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 packed on the seventh packing device 2012 according to an exemplary embodiment. To facilitate an explanation, in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, a cross section parallel to the X-Z plane of the seventh packing device 2012 is schematically illustrated. An explanation of FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 regarding the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 is the same as an explanation of FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 regarding the printer 1011. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 illustrate the sheet transportation apparatus 2011, a second wire 2051 for suspension of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011, a second table 2071, and the seventh packing device 2012 including a 1st-11 packing portion 2014 and a 2nd-8 packing portion 2013. FIGS. 21, 22, and 23 further illustrate a second installation portion 2031 of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011, a 1st-2 wall portion 2032 of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011, and a 2nd-3 wall portion 2033 of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011. The 1st-11 packing portion 2014 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-8 packing portion 2013 is another example of a second packing portion. The second installation portion 2031 is an example of an installation portion. The 1st-2 wall portion 2032 is an example of a first wall portion. The 2nd-3 wall portion 2033 is an example of a second wall portion. The second wire 2051 is an example of a wire.

Each of FIGS. 24, 25, 26, and 27 is a diagram that illustrates an example of the appearance of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 packed on the seventh packing device 2012 according to an exemplary embodiment. An explanation of FIGS. 24, 25, 26, and 27 regarding the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 is the same as an explanation of FIGS. 17, 18, 19, and 20 regarding the printer 1011. Therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted.

FIGS. 24 to 27 illustrate those illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, another combination made up of a 1st-12 packing portion 2016 and a 2nd-9 packing portion 2015, a 2nd-4 wall portion 2034 of the sheet transportation apparatus 2011 facing the 1st-12 packing portion 2016, and two top covers, specifically, a third top cover 2091 and a fourth top cover 2092. The 1st-12 packing portion 2016 is another example of a first packing portion. The 2nd-9 packing portion 2015 is another example of a second packing portion. The 2nd-4 wall portion 2034 is an example of a second wall portion.

Various packing devices explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27 above are described collectively below. In the packing device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the mating strength when the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate with each other. Therefore, in the packing device according to the present embodiment, appropriate mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is achieved. In the packing device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set the magnitude of a pushing force with which the mating portion is push-inserted into the mating receptacle portion, or a pushing amount thereof, or the magnitude of a pulling force with which the mating portion is pulled out of the mating receptacle portion, etc., by designing the shape of the mating portion and the shape of the mating receptacle portion. In the packing device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to design a structure that allows the mating portion to be pulled out of the mating receptacle portion without destroying the packing device from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion, or a structure that makes it impossible for the mating portion to be pulled out of the mating receptacle portion without destroying the packing device from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. This makes it possible to design the packing device as a device that can be used only once or as a reusable device.

In general, to join two pads together, an adhesive, an adhesive tape such as a single-sided adhesive tape or a double-sided adhesive tape, or a fixing band is used. In the packing device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to fix the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion by mating without using any of them. In the packing device according to the present embodiment, by utilizing the elasticity and friction of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion, for example, it is possible to achieve secure fixing without using any other member that is different from the first packing portion and the second packing portion.

For example, if the entirety of the packing device is made of the same material, trash separation is unnecessary when the packing device is thrown away. Although the packing device may be made of two or more different kinds of material, trash separation is required when it is discarded as industrial waste in some cases. Although an adhesive may be used for producing the packing device, the packing device formed using the adhesive is required in some cases to be treated as industrial waste because it is regarded as being formed by combining different kinds of material together. If a corrugated cardboard or a tape is used for producing the packing device, it might be impossible to achieve secure fixing. If a tape is used for producing the packing device, for example, the strength of fixing or the method of putting portions together might differ from person to person who performs the production work.

The sloped surface, which either one of the mating portion of the first packing portion and the mating receptacle portion of the second packing portion constituting the packing device has, or both have, may be a tapered inclined surface or a curved surface. The tapered inclined surface may have, for example, two levels or more of inclination. Each of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion may have an arbitrary shape. For example, a surface intersecting with the direction of mating of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion may have a + shape or an H shape or the like. Either one or both of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion may have a partially thin shape or a partially thick shape, or may have a shape of varying in the angle of inclination at a part of the sloped surface. The first packing portion and the second packing portion may have plural combinations of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. In such a case, for example, total mating strength obtained from all of the combinations may be designed to be sufficiently high although individual mating strength obtained from each combination is not so high.

The printer may be any type of printing apparatus. For example, the printer may be a laser printer.

As described above, a packing device for a printer, or for a sheet transportation apparatus, according to the present embodiment has the following structure.

A packing device includes: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion. At least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate. Therefore, in the packing device according to the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the mating strength when the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate with each other.

In the packing device according to a certain structure example, the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a first portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the first portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the first portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion. Therefore, for example, it is possible to design the packing device as a non-reusable device by designing the first portion to break when the mating portion is separated from the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. Other designs may be adopted.

In the packing device according to a certain structure example, the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a second portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the second portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the second portion is larger than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion. Therefore, for example, it is possible to design the packing device as a reusable device by designing the second portion not to break when the mating portion is separated from the mating receptacle portion from the mated state of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion. Other designs may be adopted.

In the packing device according to a certain structure example, the mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is determined by a manner of inclination of the sloped surface. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion by designing the manner of inclination of the sloped surface.

In the packing device according to a certain structure example, the first packing portion and the second packing portion are made of a foamed plastic cushioning material. Therefore, it is possible to realize a packing device using a foamed plastic cushioning material as an advantageous example of its material.

In the present embodiment, a printer including a packing device can be provided. In a certain structure example, one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion accommodates an installation portion and a first wall portion of the printer, and the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion faces a second wall portion of the printer and mates with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize a printer including a packing device suitable for transportation or shipment, etc. of the printer.

In the present embodiment, a sheet transportation apparatus including a packing device can be provided. In a certain structure example, one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion accommodates an installation portion and a first wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus, and the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion faces a second wall portion of the sheet transportation apparatus and mates with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion. Therefore, it is possible to realize a sheet transportation apparatus including a packing device suitable for transportation or shipment, etc. of the sheet transportation apparatus.

In the present embodiment, a method for manufacturing a printer packed on a packing device can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a printer packed on a packing device suitable for transportation or shipment, etc. of the printer.

In the present embodiment, a method for manufacturing a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a packing device can be provided. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a sheet transportation apparatus packed on a packing device suitable for transportation or shipment, etc. of the sheet transportation apparatus.

Though exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, variations of specific structure are not limited to those described and illustrated in the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure encompasses design, etc. that is within a range not departing from the gist of the disclosed technique. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A packing device for a printer, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate.
 2. The packing device for the printer according to claim 1, wherein the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a first portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the first portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the first portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion.
 3. The packing device for the printer according to claim 1, wherein the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a second portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the second portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the second portion is larger than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion.
 4. The packing device for the printer according to claim 1, wherein a mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is determined by a manner of inclination of the sloped surface.
 5. The packing device for the printer according to claim 1, wherein the first packing portion and the second packing portion are made of a foamed plastic cushioning material.
 6. A packing device for a sheet transportation apparatus, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate.
 7. The packing device for the sheet transportation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a first portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the first portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the first portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion.
 8. The packing device for the sheet transportation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first packing portion further has a base, which supports the mating portion, and a second portion, which is provided between the base and the mating portion, and regarding cross-sectional area size of a section intersecting with the first axis, at a junction between the second portion and the mating portion, the cross-sectional area size of the second portion is larger than the cross-sectional area size of the mating portion.
 9. The packing device for the sheet transportation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a mating strength of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion is determined by a manner of inclination of the sloped surface.
 10. The packing device for the sheet transportation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first packing portion and the second packing portion are made of a foamed plastic cushioning material.
 11. A printer including a packing device, the packing device comprising: a first packing portion that has a mating portion; and a second packing portion that has a mating receptacle portion configured to mate with the mating portion by inserting at least a part of the mating portion into the mating receptacle portion; wherein at least one of the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion has a sloped surface that is inclined with respect to a first axis extending in a direction in which the mating portion and the mating receptacle portion mate, one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion accommodates an installation portion and a first wall portion of the printer, and the other of the first packing portion and the second packing portion faces a second wall portion of the printer and mates with the one of the first packing portion and the second packing portion. 